China’s Ecological and Environmental Code, the world’s first legal code dedicated to the ecological environment, officially took effect on Aug. 15, 2026, marking a new stage in rule-of-law environmental governance.

The Code promotes coordinated economic growth, pollution control, ecological conservation, and climate action while supporting green and low-carbon development. It also introduces stronger measures for carbon reduction, renewable energy, and emerging pollution issues such as new chemical substances and light pollution.

Officials say the legislation improves public well-being through clearer rules on noise, cooking fumes, straw burning, and ecological damage compensation, while strengthening enforcement against environmental violations.

Source: People’s Daily